Elliott is proud to be back at the top of her game as a starter in the NSW forward pack, but loves her new job as a mum too.
"I don't take it lightly that it's the best thing to ever happen," Elliott said.
"Being a mum, number one, playing footy, number two. I feel like I've got two of the best jobs in the world."
The star forward revealed the first day back was tough but, after an intense six-week training block with NSW, now feels ready for Origin 1.
"You take confidence in the fact that unfortunately we haven't played footy in a long time anyway," the 27-year-old said.
"It's been about six months since anyone's played, regardless of whether you've had a baby or not.
"You lose your fitness within six months anyway. We're all kind of back to square one the way I see it."
Elliott missed the entire 2025 State of Origin series and NRLW campaign and the normally fearless prop admitted it was nerve-wracking to watch the action from the couch.
"Heart rate is up, I'm riding it just as much as they are," Elliott said.
"It's a funny perspective watching. It's great to be back, but also very grateful for bringing little Gigi to the world as well."
Elliott is still incredibly dedicated to her craft as a footy player, but reflected on her new perspective with motherhood as her priority.
"I think there's always a bigger picture than footy," Elliott said.
"Bad training sessions or good training sessions, good games, bad games, it's all just a smaller picture at the end of the day when you come home to a little family.
"I'm so lucky that I have been able to have my little girl. Hopefully, a few more to come down the track."
And when Elliott runs out with the Blues next Thursday night in Newcastle, her daughter Gigi will be watching and learning from a mum at the top of her game.
"She won't remember it, but looking back on photos and the way that we live our life and our lifestyle growing up, she'll know that this has always been a part of who we are," Elliott said about her and husband (South Sydney Rabbitoh) Adam Elliott's respective rugby league careers.
"There's no limit to what you want to achieve. If you put your mind to something, you can do it."
"She'll have those cute photos to post on Instagram in 2040."
15°C